What is Apple Without Steve Jobs?

necro81 writes "David Pauly at Bloomberg has written a piece that asks 'Does Apple Inc. Have a Future Without Steve Jobs?' He writes in the context of Jobs' latest success in launching the iPhone, set against the backdrop of stock backdating troubles. In Pauly's worst-case-scenario, the SEC prosecutes Apple, and the board is forced to oust Jobs.Even without resorting to such scenarios, it's an interesting question to ask the fanboys and detractors out there: could Apple succeed and continue to innovative without Jobs at the helm?"

No Problem

[Anonymous Coward]

No problem. They just need to replace him with someone else that's exactly the same.

More interesting question!

[ceeam]

What is Microsoft without Steve Ballmer?

Re:More interesting question!

[Mr. Underbridge]

What is Microsoft without Steve Ballmer?

A corporation that employs fewer chair repairmen?

Re:More interesting question!

[malraid]

I would be a place where the chairs are not bolted to floor.

Just like...

[zerrubabul]

Apple without Steve Jobs would be like what De Lorean was without John De Lorean. No one really wanted De Loreans after John De Lorean left either.

As the number one fanboy...

[Whiney Mac Fanboy]

it's an interesting question to ask the fanboys and detractors out there: could Apple succeed and continue to innovative without Jobs at the helm?"

As the first result for a google search on mac fanboy [google.com], I feel qualified to answer this.

Answer yes. Last time Jobs left, Apple was left with mediocre CEOs (who seemed determined to run Apple to the ground). It entirely depends on who replaces Jobs.

Re:What launch?

[bheer]

> Successful launch of the iPhone? What launch?

Dude, you're killing my hard-on! Can we leave the facts for later? I need the Macworld high to last at least a couple of weeks so I can count the moments until I get my iPhone(tm) in the summer?

Re:More interesting question!

[Anonymous Coward]

Less sweaty?

Re:More interesting question!

[Nemetroid]

The same thing, but with 100% less squirting.

Re:Apple needs a superstar CEO

[blugu64]

Let us also note that it was Scully who helped oust steve back in the early 80's

Steve Jobs == Lassie

[dafragsta]

When he dies, they'll just replace him with another guy in a turtleneck. No one will know the difference. Mac users are more emotional than logical anyway. ;)

Re:Apple needs a superstar CEO

[WilliamSChips]

Why not get an actual rock star? That would be a hilarious sight in the board room.

Re:Just like...

[The Dotmeister]

Well I think you're forgetting Dr. Emmett Brown.

Re:Apple needs a superstar CEO

[The One and Only]

Sculley was CEO from April 1983 until June 1993, which is ten years and two months. Jobs has been CEO since September 1997 (interim until January 2000), which is nine years and four months.

I come from the future, bearing good news: Steve Jobs is still CEO!

Re:No Problem

[Fearless Freep]

Watch for the impending release of the iClone

Re:they'll find a way

[Anonymous Coward]

I'll take the job. Especially if Steve is doing all the work. Where do I go to sign up for my 7+ figure salary?

CEOs are such whiny crybabies. Pfft, as if their jobs were actually arduous.

Re:Wanna Make Apple #1????

[dangitman]

Like I said before - a cuddly baby tapir. I'm just not sure that baby tapirs have the aggressiveness needed to run a business like Apple.

Re:More interesting question!

[Anonymous Coward]

Also, fewer developers developers developers.

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